How to Clean Silver Jewellery at Home?

Silver jewellery has an undeniable charm—timeless, versatile, and elegant. But over time, even the most stunning silver pieces can lose their shine. Exposure to air, humidity, perfumes, and lotions causes silver to tarnish, leaving it dull or blackened. The good news? You don’t need costly professional cleaning. With a few simple methods, you can safely clean your silver jewellery at home—even if it’s tarnished sterling silver.

Why Does Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver is usually 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, often copper. While this blend makes jewellery durable, it also makes it prone to tarnishing. Tarnish is a natural reaction between silver and sulfur compounds in the air. Fortunately, it’s not permanent and can be cleaned away with the right techniques.

5 Easy Ways to Clean Silver Jewellery at Home

1. Soap and Warm Water (For Light Tarnish)

  • Mix mild dishwashing liquid with warm water.
  • Soak jewellery for 5–10 minutes.
  • Gently scrub with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush.
  • Rinse and pat dry with a microfiber cloth.

Best for everyday cleaning and lightly tarnished silver.

2. Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil (For Heavy Tarnish)

  • Line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
  • Add 1 tablespoon baking soda + 1 tablespoon salt.
  • Pour in hot water and stir until dissolved.
  • Place jewellery inside for 2–5 minutes.
  • Rinse and dry thoroughly.

How it works: Tarnish transfers from the silver to the foil through a chemical reaction.

3. White Vinegar and Baking Soda

  • Place jewellery in a bowl.
  • Cover with ½ cup white vinegar + 2 tablespoons baking soda.
  • Let fizz and soak for 2–3 hours.
  • Rinse and polish dry.

Ideal for stubborn tarnish, but avoid using with delicate gemstones.

4. Toothpaste Hack

  • Dab non-gel, non-abrasive toothpaste on a soft cloth.
  • Rub gently over the jewellery.
  • Rinse and buff with a clean cloth.

A handy quick fix when you’re short on supplies.

5. Commercial Silver Polish

For intricate or heavily tarnished pieces, a professional silver polish may be the safest way to restore shine. Always follow the instructions carefully.

Tips to Prevent Tarnish on Silver Jewellery

  • Store properly: Use airtight bags or anti-tarnish pouches to reduce exposure to air and moisture. For an elevated option, consider a handmade Chinese lacquered jewellery box—a piece of cultural artistry crafted with care. Beyond simply storing jewellery, these boxes embody traditional craftsmanship, keeping your silver safe while adding beauty and heritage to your collection.
  • Avoid chemicals: Keep jewellery away from perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and harsh cleaners.
  • Wear it often: Surprisingly, regular wear slows tarnish, as natural skin oils act as a gentle protective layer.
  • Clean after use: Wipe jewellery with a soft cloth after each wear to remove sweat and residues.
Back to blog